What are potential effects of pesticides on human health?

• A. They have no health effects on humans.
• B. Toxic effects if not handled carefully, including acute and chronic health issues.
• C. They only affect pests.
• D. They improve human health.

Answer: (B)

Pesticides can affect human health because exposure can occur through skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion during mixing, loading, application, or handling treated products. Acute effects from a single or short-term exposure can include irritation of the eyes or skin, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting, and in more severe cases difficulty breathing or loss of coordination. With repeated or longer-term exposure, there can be chronic health effects such as neurotoxic symptoms, reproductive or developmental issues, and, for some chemicals, an increased cancer risk. This is why following label directions, using the appropriate personal protective equipment, and applying proper handling and safety practices are essential.

The statement that pesticides have no health effects on humans or that they only affect pests or that they improve human health doesn't fit with how these products work and the safety data that accompany them.